Import food into France: how it works, and when not to do it yourself

RegulationEU 1169/2011

ControlsSIVEP border posts

VATReverse charge possible

AlternativeBuy from stock

France is one of Europe's largest food markets, and demand for imported products keeps growing. But importing directly is not always the right answer: the question is whether you want to run an import operation, or simply to sell imported products. They are not the same business.

What importing actually requires

EORI number and customs registration
HS classification — the code determines the duty rate, and getting it wrong is expensive in both directions
Food safety compliance — EU hygiene rules, contaminant and pesticide limits, and border control posts (SIVEP) for certain categories, particularly products of animal origin
French labelling under EU Regulation 1169/2011 — ingredients, allergens, nutrition declaration, and origin where required
VAT treatment — import VAT, with reverse charge possible on the French VAT return

None of this is insurmountable. But it commits capital for six to ten weeks before a single unit is sold, and a compliance error can immobilise a container.

⚖️ The trade-off, stated plainly

Direct import gives the best unit price and full control of the specification — at the cost of capital, time and regulatory risk. Buying from an importer's stock costs a few points more per unit but delivers next-day, in pallet quantities, on a French invoice, with the compliance already validated. Below a certain volume, the second option is simply more profitable.

What Martigane imports and holds

Asian food including Samyang Buldak noodles; jasmine and broken rice from Asia; sunflower oil from European origins; pasta, canned goods, vanilla and specialty ingredients; and international beverage references. All of it is available for B2B purchase from stock in Lille, pallet by pallet, with no import formalities on your side.

For foreign producers

If you manufacture outside France and want to place products on the French market, the mirror image applies: you need a French partner able to handle customs clearance, food safety compliance, storage and B2B distribution. Martigane acts as importer and distributor for food and beverage brands seeking access to French retail and wholesale networks.

Frequently asked questions

Can Martigane import my brand into France?

Send your catalogue and we will assess the distribution opportunity honestly, including whether the market is already crowded.

Do you sell to small retailers?

Yes. Mixed pallets make imported products accessible without container commitments.

Talk to Martigane about this

Tell us the products, volumes and destination. Commercial reply within 24 to 48 hours.

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